When the temperatures drop across Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding communities, your HVAC system works overtime to keep your home warm. But if you’re not careful, that comfort can come at a cost—literally. Sky-high energy bills are common during the winter months, especially if your home isn’t optimized for efficiency.
At Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we’ve been helping Central Texas homeowners reduce energy waste and save money for over 20 years. Whether you’re in a downtown condo or a suburban family home, these three proven tips can help you lower your heating bills while keeping your home comfortable all season long.
1. Improve Your Window Efficiency—With or Without Replacement
Old or poorly sealed windows are one of the top sources of heat loss in winter. But don’t worry—you don’t need to replace every window to see improvements.
Here’s what you can do:
- Weatherproof your existing windows with caulk, weather stripping, or insulated curtains. This can significantly reduce drafts and energy loss.
- Add storm windows or apply a clear plastic film kit to the interior. These temporary solutions add an extra layer of insulation for minimal cost.
- If your budget allows, upgrade to ENERGY STAR® certified windows to reduce heat loss long term and ease the load on your HVAC system.
Even basic improvements can help trap heat indoors and reduce how often your heater cycles on and off.
2. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help you cut heating costs by automatically adjusting the temperature when you’re asleep or away. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, turning your thermostat down 7–10°F for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10% a year on heating.
Radiant installs and services smart thermostats that let you control your HVAC system from your phone—even when you’re not home. This gives you total control over your comfort and your energy use.
3. Change Your Air Filter—Seriously
This one’s easy, but so often overlooked. A dirty air filter makes your furnace work harder, driving up your energy use and increasing wear on the system. It also reduces indoor air quality—never a good thing during cold and flu season.
We recommend:
- Checking your filter every month during heavy heating use.
- Replacing it at least every 90 days, or more often if you have pets or allergies.
Clean filters help your system run efficiently, keep your energy bills low, and extend the life of your HVAC unit. And if you’re enrolled in the Radiant Care Club, we’ll handle this for you as part of your seasonal tune-up.
Get Professional Help Before Your Bills Spike
Small changes can make a big difference—but the best way to ensure your HVAC system is ready for winter is to have it inspected by a licensed professional. At Radiant, we offer comprehensive heating maintenance, HVAC repairs, and energy-saving upgrades that are customized to your home’s needs.
Serving Greater Austin, San Antonio, and communities throughout Central Texas, our team is here to keep your home comfortable and your bills manageable—no matter how cold it gets outside.
